Boeing backs Iraq aviation event

Dubai, April 18, 2011

Boeing, the leading aerospace company, will showcase its wide range of production freighters, freighter conversions and passenger airplanes at an upcoming aviation conference and exhibition in Erbil.

The Airports Expansion, Cargo and Logistics Conference and Exhibition, organised by UAE-based events management company Arabian Reach, will be held on April 26 and 27.

Boeing’s participation at the event reflects its commitment to rebuilding the Iraqi aviation infrastructure and the central role its airplanes continue to play in advancing the Iraqi cargo and passenger transport market, a statement said.

“Iraq’s aviation industry is passing through an exciting growth phase with seven new airports and cargo villages under construction,” said Marty Bentrott, Boeing Commercial Airplanes' vice president for sales (Middle East, Russia and Central Asia).

“The Airports Expansion, Cargo and Logistics Conference and Exhibition will help us contribute more effectively to the reconstruction of Iraq’s aviation infrastructure and prepare for the delivery and operation of new airplanes.”

“We are pleased that it will also provide us with an ideal platform to further strengthening our relationships in the Iraqi aviation sector and facilitate potential future partnerships and business development opportunities,” he added.

Raj Menon, general manager, Arabian Reach, said: “The presence of a company of the size and caliber of Boeing at the ‘Airports Expansion, Cargo and Logistics’ Conference and Exhibition further boosts the event’s standing and reflects the company’s role in supporting the rebuilding efforts in Iraq. Boeing announcing its participation in the event will further increase expectations amongst visitors, exhibitors, speakers and VIP delegations ahead of the opening ceremony.”

Arabian Reach has envisaged that more than $150 billion worth of airport and logistics infrastructure related projects are under consideration in Iraq. Erbil was chosen as the host city for the event because of its investor-friendly environment, stability and security. – TradeArabia News Service